How old is too old to wear certain looks?

The question

I'm getting excited about all the cute hosiery out there for spring. But can a woman over 30 ever wear knee socks or am I dreaming?

The answer

We're living in a time when 20-year-olds look 30 and 40-year-olds look 30, so it's entirely possible that you have not outgrown knee socks. But do you plan to pair them with a mini kilt, à la Cher Horowitz of Clueless ? Or do you envision them being visible from beneath a longer skirt similar to what Miuccia Prada showed in her Miu Miu fall 2013 collection? It's the expanse of thigh that becomes problematic, especially if those thighs are no longer taut.

In Paris, a high-street hosiery brand has ads in all the subway stations for sheer tights punctuated with polka dots. This is a fun option for shorter skirts because it gives the legs a uniform look – and it's a smart way to bridge the seasons. Certainly, you should never let your age cramp your style. Just always consider the image you are projecting. And on that note, I'll close with the wise words of disco diva Cheryl Lynn: You've got to be real.

Amy Verner is The Globe and Mail's Paris-based style reporter. Have a fashion question? E-mail style@globeandmail.com. Follow her on Twitter @amyverner.